Head restraining device

ABSTRACT

A head restraining device for restraining a child&#39;s head while they are sitting in a car seat. The head restraining device includes a cushioning member. A coupling member for removably coupling the cushioning member to the car seat. A securing member for securing a person&#39;s head to the cushioning member is securably attached to the coupling member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to head restraints and more particularly pertains to a new head restraining device for. restraining a child's head while they are sitting in a car seat.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The use of head restraints is known in the prior art. More specifically, head restraints heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

[0005] Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,151; U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,885; U.S. Pat. No. 368,323; U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,019; U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,031; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 339,428.

[0006] While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new head restraining device. The inventive device includes a cushioning member. A coupling member for removably coupling the cushioning member to the car seat. A securing member for securing a person's head to the cushioning member is securably attached to the coupling member.

[0007] In these respects, the head restraining device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of restraining a child's head while they are sitting in a car seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of head restraints now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new head restraining device construction wherein the same can be utilized for restraining a child's head while they are sitting in a car seat.

[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new head restraining device apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the head restraints mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new head restraining device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art head restraints, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a cushioning member. A coupling member for removably coupling the cushioning member to the car seat. A securing member for securing a person's head to the cushioning member is securably attached to the coupling member.

[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0013] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0014] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new head restraining device apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the head restraints mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new head restraining device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art head restraints, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new head restraining device which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new head restraining device which is of a durable and reliable construction.

[0018] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such head restraining device economically available to the buying public.

[0019] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device for restraining a child's head while they are sitting in a car seat.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device which includes a cushioning member. A coupling member for removably coupling the cushioning member to the car seat. A securing member for securing a person's head to the cushioning member is securably attached to the coupling member.

[0022] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device that will reduce the possibility of a child obtaining a sore neck while sleeping in the car.

[0023] Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new head restraining device that will reduce the possibility of a child obtaining an injured neck in an accident by limiting the movement of the child's head.

[0024] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a new head restraining device according to the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal view of the present invention showing a cushioning member and a strap.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 3-3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 3 thereof, a new head restraining device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0030] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the head restraining device 10 generally comprises a cushioning member 12. The cushioning member 12 includes a front side 14, a back side 16 and a pair of lateral sides 18. The cushioning member 12 comprises a foamed elastomeric material. A cotton padding material may also be used as the cushioning member 12. The cushioning member 12 provides a comfortable headrest for a child in the car seat. A resting child would find the cushioning member a more comfortable alternative to resting their head upon their shoulder.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a covering member 20 is covering and securably attached to the cushioning member 12. The covering member 20 comprises a cloth material such as cotton or a cotton blend. A synthetic material such as vinyl may also be used. A wide variety of patterned fabrics such as balloons, clowns, or animals may be used that would be appealing to children.

[0032] As seen in FIG. 1, the head restraining device 10 uses a coupling member 24 for removably coupling the cushioning member 12 to the car seat. The coupling member 24 comprises a first plate 26 that is positioned on top of the car seat. The first plate 26 includes a front edge 27, a back edge 28 and a pair of lateral side edges 29. A second plate 30 is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the back edge 28 of the first plate 26. A third plate 34 is integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from the front edge 27 of the first plate.

[0033] The second and third plates 30 and 34 angle toward each other such that the coupling member 24 has a generally triangular shape that includes a break therein. When positioned on the car seat the second plate 30 abuts the back of the car seat and the third plate 34 abuts the front of the car seat. The coupling member 24 comprises a resiliently flexible material such as a plastic material. The flexibility of the coupling member 24 makes the head restraining device 10 easily positionable and removable on the car seat without the need of additional securing means. The flexibility of the coupling member 24 also ensures its placement on the car seat. In an embodiment the covering member 20 is securably attached to a front surface 35 of the third plate 34.

[0034] The head restraining device 10 includes a securing member 40 for securing a person's head to the cushioning member 12. The securing member 40 comprises a strap 42 that is elongated and includes a first end 44 and a second end 46. A middle portion of the strap 42 is securably attached to a back surface 36 of the third plate 34 such that the ends 44 and 46 of the strap 42 may be extended out in front of the cushioning member 12. The strap 42 comprises a resiliently flexible material such as cotton or nylon.

[0035] To secure the first and second ends 44 and 46 of the securing member 40 there is a fastening means 50. The fastening means 50 comprises a hook and loop fastener, the hook and loop fastener comprises a hook portion 52 and a loop portion 54, the hook portion 52 is securably attached to a back surface 48 of the strap 42 and positioned generally adjacent to the first end 44 of the strap 42. The loop portion 54 is securably attached to a front surface 49 of the strap 42 and is positioned generally adjacent to the second end 46 of the strap 42.

[0036] In use, a child's head is rested against the cushioning member 12 of the head restraining device 10. The ends 44 and 46 of the strap 42 are wrapped around the child's head and the ends 44 and 46 of the strap 42 are fastened by the fastening means 50. The child's head remains in an upright position if the child falls asleep or if there is an accident.

[0037] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0038] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0039] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A head restraining device, said device being adapted for being removably attached to a car seat, said device comprising: a cushioning member; a coupling member for removably coupling said cushioning member to the car seat; and a securing member for securing a person's head to said cushioning member, said securing member being securably attached to said coupling member.
 2. The head restraining device of claim 1, wherein said cushioning device further comprises: said cushioning member having a front side, a back side and a pair of lateral sides, said cushioning member comprising a foamed elastomeric material.
 3. The head restraining device of claim 2, further comprising: a covering member, said covering member generally covering and being securably attached to said cushioning member, wherein said covering member is securably attached to said coupling member.
 4. The head restraining device of claim 3, wherein said covering member further comprises: said covering member comprising a cloth material.
 5. The head restraining device of claim 1, wherein said covering member further comprises: said covering member comprising a synthetic material.
 6. The head restraining device of claim 1, wherein said coupling member further comprises: a first plate, said first plate having a front edge, a back edge and a pair of lateral side edges; a second plate, said second plate being integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from said back edge of said first plate; a third plate, said third plate being integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from said front edge of said first plate, said second and third plates angling toward each other such that said coupling member has a generally triangular shape having a break therein, wherein said securing member being securably attached to said third plate.
 7. The head restraining device of claim 6, wherein said securing member further comprises: said securing member comprising a strap.
 8. The head restraint device of claim 7, wherein said strap further comprises: said strap being elongated and having a first end and a second end, a middle portion of said elongated strap being securably attached to a back surface of said third plate.
 9. The head restraint device of claim 8, further comprising: a fastening means for fastening said first and second ends of said securing member.
 10. The head restraint device of claim 9, wherein said fastening further comprises: said fastening means comprising a hook and loop fastener, said hook and loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion, said hook portion being securably attached to a back surface of said strap and positioned generally adjacent to said first end of said strap, said loop portion being securably attached to a front surface of said strap and positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said strap.
 11. A head restraining device, said device being adapted for being removably attached to a car seat, said device comprising: a cushioning member, said cushioning member having a front side, a back side and a pair of lateral sides, said cushioning member comprising a foamed elastomeric material; a covering member, said covering member generally covering and being securably attached to said cushioning member, said covering member comprising a cloth material; a coupling member for removably coupling said cushioning member to the car seat, said coupling member comprising; a first plate, said first plate having a front edge, a back edge and a pair of lateral side edges; a second plate, said second plate being integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from said back edge of said first plate; a third plate, said third plate being integrally coupled to and extending downwardly away from said front edge of said first plate, said second and third plates angling toward each other such that said coupling member has a generally triangular shape having a break therein, said coupling member comprising a resiliently flexible material, said resiliently flexible material comprising a plastic material; wherein said covering member is securably attached to a front surface of said third plate; a securing member for securing a person's head to said cushioning member, said securing member comprising a strap being elongated and having a first end and a second end, a middle portion of said elongated strap being securably attached to a back surface of said third plate such that said ends of said strap may be extended out in front of said cushioning member; a fastening means for fastening said first and second ends of said securing member, said fastening means comprising a hook and loop fastener, said hook and loop fastener comprising a hook portion and a loop portion, said hook portion being securably attached to a back surface of said strap and positioned generally adjacent to said first end of said strap, said loop portion being securably attached to a front surface of said strap and positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said strap. 